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Germany granted citizenship to a record 332,500 foreign nationals in 2025, underscoring the growing importance of naturalisation as a pathway to full participation in German society. According to provisional figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the number of naturalisations rose by 14 per cent compared with 2024, marking the fifth consecutive annual increase and the highest figure since …

A three-day festival of culture, tourism, trade and diaspora engagement is set to transform a Munich venue into a gateway between Uganda and Germany this June — marking the most ambitious Ugandan public diplomacy event in Germany to date.From 26 to 28 June 2026, the Embassy of Uganda in Germany will host the first Uganda Cultural and Tourism Festival — …

South Africa’s film industry is set for a major international spotlight after the country was officially named the “Country in Focus” for the 2027 edition of the European Film Market (EFM) at the Berlin International Film Festival, widely known as the Berlinale. The announcement, made by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Berlinale organisers, means South African …

The Africa Festival Potsdam returns this summer with a vibrant programme that promises to transform the city’s Luisenplatz, the traditional venue of the event, into a vibrant hub of African culture, music and community spirit. Taking place on 10 and 11 July 2026, the two-day festival invites visitors from across Brandenburg and beyond to celebrate the richness and diversity of …

When Alain Gomis premiered DAO in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival, expectations were already high. The French-Senegalese director of Félicité has built a reputation for crafting emotionally rich, visually striking films and with DAO, he not only meets those expectations but surpasses them. This France–Senegal–Guinea-Bissau co-production has already drawn critical acclaim, described as a “psychedelic African epic” (Die …

The African Book Festival Berlin returns from 29 to 31 May 2026 with a fresh, audience-driven concept that reinforces its reputation as one of Europe’s most dynamic platforms for African and diaspora literature. Under the theme “Welcome to the Club,” this year’s edition shifts the spotlight towards readers themselves, inviting them not only to attend but to actively shape the …

A landmark moment for Nollywood and African storytelling has arrived with the launch of the critically acclaimed Nigerian thriller The Weekend on HBO Max across Central and Eastern Europe, showing the growing global appetite for bold African cinema. HBO Max is a major global streaming platform operated by Warner Bros. Discovery, offering movies, TV series, documentaries and original programming to …

A series of new laws and regulations, affecting retirees, consumers, women, migrants and businesses alike, will enter into effect in March 2026. Key changes include reforms to credit scoring, expanded breast cancer screening, higher health insurance contributions, extension of war refugee protection and updates to vehicle registration rules. Here are the most important changes in March SCHUFA: Transparency in Credit …

Berlin-based independent bookshop Buchhandlung InterKontinental has once again been awarded the coveted Deutscher Buchhandlungspreis for 2025, marking its third recognition (previously honoured in 2021 and 2023). The award, announced on Tuesday (10 January), underscores InterKontinental’s continuing influence in Germany’s cultural and literary landscape. Located in the heart of Berlin’s district of Friedrichshain, InterKontinental has built a unique reputation as Germany’s …

When Berlin-based freelance journalist Wolfgang König recently travelled to New Orleans, he found himself drawn not only to the city’s famous music clubs and historic streets, but to a modest open space whose global significance is easy to overlook. In this reflection, König traces the remarkable history of Congo Square — a place where African traditions survived enslavement, shaped the …

Afrobeat pioneer and cultural icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has made history by becoming the first African artist to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The honour was bestowed at a special ceremony held on 31 January 2026, ahead of this year’s Grammy Awards, nearly three decades after Fela’s death in 1997. Members of the Kuti family, including Fela’s children, accepted the …

African fashion has flourished in terms of creativity and innovation in recent years, and is attracting global attention, writes Adwoa Owusuaa Bobie* in this study _________ African fashion has flourished in terms of creativity and innovation in recent years, and is attracting global attention. Designers and labels are churning out garments that reflect African cities and how they interact with …

Germany’s beloved Christmas market season begins earlier than ever in 2025, transforming city squares into glowing hubs of music, scent, and joy. These festive gatherings are more than seasonal entertainment — they are spaces for community connection, cross-cultural experience and family fun. In the north, Hamburg leads the way, opening its markets from 24 November 2025. The historic Rathausmarkt Christmas …

With much-anticipated fanfare, Egypt has unveiled the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), celebrated as the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Located on the Giza Plateau, within sight of the iconic pyramids, the museum marks a monumental new chapter in how ancient Egypt’s legacy is presented to the world. Covering nearly half a million square metres, the …

Berlin – From 5 to 9 November 2025, the Messe Berlin exhibition halls will transform into a vibrant global marketplace, welcoming approximately 500 exhibitors from over 60 countries. Among the diverse offerings, the “Living Africa” segment in Hall 11.2 stands out, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the African continent. Now in its 63rd edition, the annual event promises visitors …

A high-profile German delegation of companies in the film and creative sectors will visit Nigeria, from 3 – 7 November 2025, in a landmark initiative organised by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria) together with SBS Systems for Business. Backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) under its Market Entry …

The wait is nearly over: Africa Fashion Week Cologne (AFWC) returns for its third edition on 13–14 September 2025, bringing glamour, culture and creativity to the prestigious Sartory-Saal in the heart of Cologne. The move to this iconic venue underscores the growing importance of the event, which has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting showcases of African …

Frankfurt will play host to the first-ever ASA WA Day, a vibrant celebration of Yoruba heritage, on Saturday, 12 July 2025. Taking place at Saalbau Griesheim, the event promises an immersive journey into one of West Africa’s most influential and enduring cultures. Organised by the Yoruba Heritage Art and Cultural Group in collaboration with Souls of Africa e.V., ASA WA …

From 24 July to 3 August 2025, Berlin will once again host the vibrant KENAKO Africa Festival — but this year at a new location: Washingtonplatz, directly in front of Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Despite the move from its traditional home at Alexanderplatz, the festival promises the same rich blend of African music, art, culture and dialogue that has made it a …

Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o passed away on 28 May. A towering figure in African literature, his works critically address colonial oppression and the unjust postcolonial order. In this tribute, Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, literary scholar and former lecturer at the University of Bayreuth, honours the life and legacy of this influential writer. A former member of the European Parliament, Dr …